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Tuesday 14 January 2014

Ahhh, the sewing machine, the sewing machine ...



Gosh it's almost two weeks since I've been here ... doesn't time fly when you're having fun? ... I have, because I've started my sewing lessons at Suzie B's, and a great time is had by all.  My fellow seamstresses are three delightful American ladies, one is a beginner like me, and I'm really glad about that because I thought everyone would be very experienced. The other 2 ladies have sewn lots before, so it's a nice mix.


This is the lovely Suzie ... what she doesn't know about sewing really isn't worth knowing ...


Her shop is an oasis of sewing paraphernalia, mingled with vintage loveliness, intertwined with modern twists, so something for everyone, which is always good!


Suzie's is the sort of place you can just pop into for a browse, or you can book a single lesson, a group workshop, or a course where you can make a different item every week or bring your own project.


Bowls of threads in every colour of the rainbow ... and a fabric room that offers so much choice, I dither about for ages ... just give me the fabric, I'm no good at decision making ...

Sound advice!

Our first project was a draught excluder or a cushion ... more choices! I plumped (sorry!) for the cushion, and couldn't decide on the material ... with hindsight, I wish I'd veered from my vintage rosiness and opted for something modern, because it could have been a gift and the person in mind would have loved a retro design.

This is my very first, real sewing project! I have dabbled in the past, but due to my impatient, impetuous nature, I didn't prepare because I just wanted to get sewing, so the results weren't particularly pleasing.  Suzie taught us how to turn at the corners, and zigzag the seams, and I couldn't believe that I had made something that looked really well made and accurate.


This is our little group (one lady was missing last week) with our plumptious cushions ...


and this is today ... a tote bag was this week's project, and I already had a bag which I bought from Hettie Brown a couple of years ago, which I use all the time and just love the shape and style, so Suzie prepared a template for me and this is the result. That's me on the far right, grinning like a mad thing. I've pinched this photo from Marsha ... I hope she doesn't mind, and I'll apologise for my blurry ones, they are taken on my Ipad because it's so easy, but the quality is poor.


I don't know what we will be making next time ... perhaps a doll, some bunting or a rabbit maybe? Whatever it is, I know we'll have a great time ... I'm really liking this sewing lark! What have you all been making lately, I'd love to see ...

See you soon,

Love, Claire xxx


29 comments:

  1. I absolutely LOVE your tote bag. I have been looking for a nice bag pattern for absolutely ages and once I have got the hang of my new, and quite frankly, baffling sewing machine, I might have another go at finding that elusive pattern. Happy Sewing :-)
    Kay x

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  2. Sounds like you've got off to a great start with your sewing! Well done. The shop looks amazing!
    Liz @ Shortbread & Ginger

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  3. Looks like you are having a good time, look forward to seeing what you make next.

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  4. Fabulous work Claire! Congratulations on your successful makes!! I think it's a good thing you kept your very first pillow ... it'll mean more to you than to anyone else, and now you can confidently make one as a gift. This is great! I'm so glad you got yourself to the sewing class and are enjoying it. Sometimes it's just the pleasure of new company that encourages you to do more too. Well done ... can't wait to see what else you come up with :) Wendy xox

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  5. Your sessions sound great fun - and good results! I've just signed up for a crochet course. Abby x

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  6. sounds like you are having a great time - i love the cushion and the bag!!!! hopefully this will give you the confidence you need to sew more at home - the beginning of a whole new era!!!! i'm with you in the being indecisive department - i am useless most days at making decisions!!! have fun xx

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  7. I've just started a 'beginners dress making course' tonight is the second lesson and I'm so excited!!

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  8. Sounds like an awful lot of fun ... I love both your makes especially the tote bag ... happy sewing ... Bee xx

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  9. ~ Hello Mrs, you have been busy!
    Well done you...
    You're cushion is really lovely! and thank you for kind words on the new driver in the house...
    I've been a busy bee with cooking vegetarian food ( we are not eating meat just now) and last week I made your delish soup (peanut butter one).....
    Happy new year to you also Mrs!
    Hugs Maria x

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  10. Good for you, Clare! I have not taken lessons using a machine, which is no doubt why I have done very little machine sewing to date. My latest focus is learning to knit continental style on a garter stitch blanket and I feel I am making some progress on that :) I love learning the domestic arts, and appreciate your encouraging report about what you are learning. xx

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  11. Claire I would love to go somewhere like that. I know the basics but need some encouragement and the know how too. Time, or lack of it seems to be my problem! Loving your makes and I'm sure you will soon be on to bigger and more wonderful things.

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  12. It's great to learn a new skill, though I have yet to conquer crochet! I was lucky enough to learn to sew at school and have carried on for the last 38 years.Last week I made myself a reversible bag from 4 placemats I bought in a charity shop.

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  13. Sounds like you have been completely bitten by the sewing bug now, what wonderful makes - well done xx

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  14. Glad you are having a nice time ... sewing really is the best stress buster .. happy happy stuff...x

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  15. Well done you Claire! It looks as though you are doing really well and meeting new people is a nice thing too hey! I hope that you keep enjoying what you are doing and that you learn lots more so that you can keep on having more sewing fun! Your first two projects are great. I look forward to seeing what you make next! xx

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  16. Oh yeah Claire - well done and you must be so proud of your sewing work and you have some lovely things to show for it. I am just going to paint a little old chair I had as a child and recover the seat.
    Happy sewing
    hugs
    Carolyn

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  17. How exciting, and a small group is just perfect - can't wait to see more posts on your progress!

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  18. thats fantastic Claire...LOVE your bag and the fabric, you clever thing :-) xx ps you look happy xx

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  19. I'm not very good at writing comments... so, I wish there was a LIKE button, because I very much enjoyed reading this, seeing the pics (blurry or not) and all the happy faces with the lovely items you all have created!
    Heidi

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  20. Happy sewing, looks like a great place to spend a few hours! :) x

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  21. What brilliant results from just 2 lessons. Well done Claire, you have every right to look so happy. I can't wait to see what you make next. Philippa xx

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  22. There I knew you could do it Claire...Well done! It all looks Fab
    Thea xx

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  23. Your cushion is beautiful Claire...Wishing you many happy years of creativeness ahead with your lovely sewing machine!
    Susan x

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  24. Sounds like you are having a fab time and you look very proud of your makes too, rightly so! XX

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  25. Well done - such lovely sewing makes. It's completely addictive, you know, you're creativity will know no bounds. Good luck with this week's project - keep us posted!

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  26. Well done you ! It's so much fun, isn't it... looking forward to seeing what you make next. Enjoy! xx

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  27. Your workshop sounds like fun Claire! Your cushion cover and bag look lovely! Well done to you!

    Madelief x

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  28. Hi Claire,what a lovely happy post,looking forward to seeing future projects.Pam.

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  29. What a lovely place to practice sewing, it sounds perfect! Well done on making your lovely cushion and bag, Claire! It sounds like such fun......I wonder what you will make next time :)
    Helen xx

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I love to hear what you think of my ramblings and value all your comments ... I will try and get back to you, but am sorry if I don't always manage this ... sometimes real life just gets in the way! Claire xxx